Hoofed animal pad

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is a resilient pad to be placed between a foot and a shoe of a hoofed animal comprising a first region substantially defined by the area of the shoe and a second region substantially defined by an area enclosed by the shoe. The second region contains the shock absorbing area. The first region of the pad resides between the hoof and shoe and does not provide substantial shock absorbing properties. Further disclosed is a resilient pad comprising two hemispheres for a cloven hoofed animal.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 10/094,030, filed Mar. 7, 2002 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,588,511, thecontents of which is hereby incorporated in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to pads for hoofed animals andin particular it relates to pads for horses and cattle to aid inpreventing injury to the hoof.

BACKGROUND

The hooves of domestic animals, especially equids, are dynamic,specialized epidermal structures subjected to many different forces andenvironments, as well as methods and ideas for care of them. All hoovesare composed of a hard epidermal covering known by many names such ashoof-wall and insensitive horn. Secondly, beneath the wall is thesensitive corium composed of vessels, nerves, collagen, elastin, andother cellular and proteinaceous components. This architecture encasesthe third phalanx bone and its associated tendons, ligaments, andsesamoid bone. Traditional hoof care has consisted of trimming the walland applying a shoe of metal or hard plastic to the wall to protect itfrom abrasions and chipping. Modifications are made and various singlepiece pads of leather, plastic, or rubber are applied to enhance supportand protection of the basic shoe. The wall has classically been viewedas the weight bearing structure upon which the horse stands. Fieldobservation of feral horses and pastured horses has led to differingthoughts on the horse's foot and the function of its components.

For many years, farriers have inserted pads of various shapes, sizes andmaterials between a horse's hoof and a horseshoe. The primary purposesfor using such pads are: to protect the sole of the horse's hoof; to actas shock absorbers and reduce concussion when the horse's hoof andhorseshoe strike the ground; to change the angle of the hoof relative tothe ground; and to prevent snowballing.

Hoof pads are generally shaped to be secured, mechanically and/orchemically, between a horseshoe and at least the outer, peripheralportion of the horse's hoof. The two most common shapes of hoof pads are“full” pads and “rim” pads, although other shapes are possible. “Full,”sometimes called “flat,” pads cover the entire bottom surface of thehorse's hoof and are used to protect the hoof and to keep it free ofsnow and debris. “Rim” pads fit between a horseshoe and the hoof, andare generally about the same size and shape as a horseshoe so that onlythe outer, peripheral portion of the hoof is covered. Rim pads are usedto put more distance between the sole and the ground. Shock absorbingpads, which are used to reduce concussion and vibrations to the hoof andleg structures of the horse, have been made in both full and rim stylesand have been made from a variety of materials.

Currently, foot pads are either a single piece molded rubber/plasticunit, or they are created by combining two components to form a padmaterial which occupies the solar arch between the branches of the shoe.The latter is not pre-prepared, and is designed to fit flush or justabove the plane of the ground contact surface of the shoe. None of theseproducts can exist exclusively without a shoe or a mesh to secure themin place.

Furthermore, in the treatment of lameness and other diseases of themusculoskeletal system of horses and other domestic animals, it has beenproposed to provide a resilient rubber layer between the bottom of thehoof of the animal and a shoe. Although treatments of this kind havebeen tried, they have not proven entirely successful both because theresilient material chosen has not been effective in reducing shock tothe animal's musculoskeletal system and also because some of theresilient materials, although effective at absorbing shock, have notproven to be sufficiently dimensionally stable to hold up when placedbetween the shoe and hoof of a horse or other animal.

It has been known to apply orthotic devices in the form of taperingwedges under the heel portion of a hoof to elevate and support the rearor heel portion. Such wedges have in the past extended the full width ofthe hoof and have been secured by the same nails that hold the shoe inplace.

What is needed is a pad for a hoofed animal that protects the innerportion of the hoof that is neither a “rim” or “full” cushion.

SUMMARY

The present invention provides a resilient pad to be placed between afoot and a shoe of a hoofed animal comprising a first regionsubstantially defined by the area of the shoe and a second regionsubstantially defined by an area enclosed by the shoe. The second regioncontains a shock absorbing area. The first region typically residesbetween the hoof and shoe and does not provide substantial shockabsorbing properties.

An embodiment of the resilient pad may comprise a first regionsubstantially defined by the area of the shoe and a second region havingan envelope containing an elastomeric material. The second regionresides in the area enclosed by the shoe. The pad typically includes atop and bottom layer wherein the top layer is in contact with the footor hoof and the bottom layer is in contact with both the ground andshoe. The layers may be formed from a woven material. The elastomericmaterial can comprise a polymeric gel having a cross linked elastomericpolymer. The polymeric gel is typically a two part polymer formed frompolybutadiene, a plasticizer, a prepolymer, a stabilizer and anisocyanate. Furthermore, the first region has a profile region which isless than the profile of the second region.

In a further embodiment, the pad has a second region defined by theinner edge of the shoe. The second region contains an envelope having anaggregate inside an envelope. The aggregate may be sand or othersubstantially hard particles such as solid polymer particles, hollowbeads, foamed polymer particles, perlite, calcium carbonate, clay,dolomite, sand, barium sulfate, mica, silica, talc, gypsum,wollastonite, calcite, aluminum trihydrate, zinc oxide, zinc sulfate,and mixtures thereof.

An additional embodiment includes a pad having a second region definedby the inner edge of the shoe having a fluid filled envelope. The fluidmay be a gas such as air or a liquid such as water or a liquid polymer.The fluid is typically contained in an impervious envelope which may beformed from an elastic polymeric sheet. The pad further includes a topand bottom portion formed from a woven or nonwoven material.

A further embodiment includes a pad for a cloven hoofed animal, such asin the case of a cow. In this embodiment, the resilient pad for a hoofedanimal comprises a first hemisphere having a first shock absorbentenvelope and a second hemisphere having a second shock absorbentenvelope. The hemispheres may be joined at the ends to create a “V”shaped wedge such that the “toes” of the animal may move freely.

Additionally, a method is provided for treating a foot of a hoofedanimal comprising the steps of affixing to the foot of the hoofed animala resilient pad. The resilient pad comprises a first regionsubstantially defined by the area of a shoe and a second region having ashock absorbing envelope. The second region is substantially defined byan area enclosed by the shoe. The method may further include affixing ashoe to the foot of the hoofed animal.

DRAWINGS

In the Drawings:

FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of the resilient pad showing both thefirst and second regions;

FIG. 2 depicts a top or bottom view of the resilient pad showing thefirst and second regions; and

FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment for a cloven hoofed animal having twohemispheres.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention provides a resilient pad 2 which can be placedbetween a foot and a shoe of a hoofed animal. Typically, the hoofedanimal is a horse and the shoe is a typical “U” shaped horse shoe. Thepad comprises two main regions. The first region 4 has a profile similarto that of the shoe and does not possess substantial shock absorbingproperties. The second region 6 has a profile defined by the inner edgeof the shoe and comprises a shock absorbing envelope.

The pad 2 can be applied beneath a shoe, nailed or glued to the footsingularly. The impact absorbing material is self-contained and may setjust below the plane of the ground contact surface of the wall or shoe.The pad 2 can enhance the digital cushion in the palmar/plantar aspectof the hoof. The pad 2 can dissipate the initial energy of impact, thuslessening the concussion of the wall and bony column at impact.

The pad 2 may provide both impact energy absorption and impact vibrationdampening. Vibration is typically transmitted up the bony column andthrough the tendon and ligament structures of the lower limb. Impactenergy absorption also reduces the energy absorbing requirements of thecartilage surfacing all joints of the limbs.

In greater detail, the resilient pad 2 comprises a first region 4substantially defined by the area of a shoe affixed to the animal.Typically, a shoe is nailed to the hoof of the animal. The first region4 may be fastened to the hoof and held in place to the hoof by the shoeas the shoe is nailed to the hoof. Nails pass though both the shoe andthe pad 2 and then into the hoof of the animal. Of course the shoe maybe fastened to the hoof of the animal by most any method such as bypins, screws or other mechanical devices. Additionally, it iscontemplated that the resilient pad 2 may be attached to the foot orhoof of the animal without attaching a shoe to the hoof. In such a case,the pad 2 may be affixed to the hoof mechanically or by an adhesive.

Furthermore, the first region 4 of the pad 2 is substantially defined bythe area of the shoe attached to the hoof. The first region 4 is notonly limited to the profile of the shoe and may either be greater thanor less than the profile of the shoe. The second region 6 containing theshock absorbent envelope is substantially defined by the area of theinner edge of the shoe. However, the second region 6 is not limited tothe previously described boundary.

The pad 2 contains at least two regions. The first of the two regionshas substantially little shock absorbing properties and the second ofthe two regions has a shock absorbing area. The term “substantiallylittle shock absorbing properties” may be defined as having shockabsorbing properties which are less than that of the other or secondregion 6.

The pad 2 typically comprises an envelope formed from a polymericmaterial such as a resilient plastic. The envelope may be formed ofother materials such as woven or nonwoven materials. The envelope may beformed from a material that is substantially impervious to fluids. Thepad 2 also has a top and bottom surface. The top surface is in contactwith the hoof and the bottom surface typically contacts the ground whenworn by the animal. The top and bottom surfaces may be formed fromdifferent materials. Both woven and nonwoven materials may be used toform the top and bottom surfaces. Typically, the surfaces are formedfrom a durable material capable of withstanding forces placed upon thepad 2 when the animal is in motion.

A further embodiment includes a resilient pad 2 adapted for a clovenhoofed animal, such as a cow. In this embodiment, the resilient pad 2 isdivided into at least a first hemisphere 8 and a second hemisphere 10,which is further illustrated in FIG. 3. The hemispheres may either bejoined at one end as illustrated or may be applied to the hoof asseparated units. The pad 2 and/or hemispheres may be applied to the hoofin any conventional manner such as an adhesive or mechanical device. Thehemispheres comprise an envelope as described. When the hemispheres arejoined at one end the pad 2 has a “V” shaped wedge open space whichallows the animals “toes” to move freely.

In an embodiment, the envelope may contain an elastomeric material. Mostany elastomeric material is acceptable. Example elastomeric materialincludes thermoplastic elastomers, crosslinked elastomers andnoncrosslinked rubbery materials. The elastomeric material may besilicone, ethylene acrylic, polyacrylate, fluorocarbon, fluorosilicone,hydrogenated nitrile, nitrile, epychlorohydrin and ethylene propylenediene.

Furthermore, the elastomeric material may comprise a polymeric gelhaving a crosslinked elastomeric polymer. The polymeric gel is typicallya two part polymer formed from polybutadiene, a plasticizer, aprepolymer, a stabilizer and an isocyanate. In greater detail, thecrosslinked polymer includes an organotin compound such as dioctyltin asthe stabilizer and an expoxidized soybean oil as the plasticizer. Theplasticizer component may comprise between about 30% to 70% by weight ofthe crosslinked polymer. The stabilizer functions as a catalyst oractivator may be added in an amount of about 1% or less by weight.Additionally, the crosslinked polymer includes a prepolymer such asiscocyanate in a percentage of between about 5% to about 15% by weightof the crosslinked polymer. The polybutadien may comprises from about10% to about 40% by weight of the crosslinked polymer. Furthermore, thepolybutadien may be substituted with similar thermoplastic resins suchas polyvinyl chloride.

In greater detail, the crosslinked polymer may be formed from a two-partpolymer having the components and weight percentages. The ratio ofcomponent A to B can be from 1:1 to 2:1. Of course, other ratios arecontemplated and the crosslinked polymer can be formed from a singlepart polymer mix. A two-part polymer mix is essentially preferred forease of assembly.

Percentage Component wt. % A Epoxidized Soybean Oil 80 Isocyanate 20 BPolybutadien 60 Epoxidized Soybean Oil 40 Dioctyltin >1

The first region 4 has a profile region which is less than the profileof the second region 6. A further embodiment includes the pad 2 having asecond region 6 defined by the inner edge of the shoe with an envelopecontaining an aggregate. The aggregate may be sand or othersubstantially hard particles such as solid polymer particles, hollowbeads, foamed polymer particles, perlite, calcium carbonate, clay,dolomite, sand, barium sulfate, mica, silica, talc, gypsum,wollastonite, calcite, aluminum trihydrate, zinc oxide, zinc sulfate,and mixtures thereof.

An additional embodiment includes a pad 2 having a second region 6defined by the inner edge of the shoe having a fluid filled envelope.The fluid may be a gas such as air or a liquid such as water or a liquidpolymer. The fluid is typically encased in a substantially imperviousenvelope. The envelope may be formed from an elastic polymeric sheet.The pad 2 may further have a top and bottom portion formed from a wovenor nonwoven material.

A method is also provided for treating a foot of a hoofed animalcomprising the steps of affixing to the foot of the hoofed animal aresilient pad 2. The resilient pad 2 comprises a first region 4substantially defined by the area of a shoe and a second region 6substantially defined by an area enclosed by the shoe. The second region6 has a shock absorbing envelope. The method may further includeaffixing a shoe to the foot of the hoofed animal.

While Applicants have set forth embodiments as illustrated and describedabove, it is recognized that variations may be made with respect todisclosed embodiments. Therefore, while the invention has been disclosedin various forms only, it will be obvious to those skilled in the artthat many additions, deletions and modifications can be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of this invention, and no unduelimits should be imposed except as set forth in the following claims.

1. A resilient pad to be placed between a foot and a shoe of a hoofedanimal comprising: a first region substantially defined by the area ofthe shoe; a second region having a shock absorbent envelope comprising apolymeric gel, and the second region being substantially defined by anarea enclosed by the shoe; and wherein the pad comprises a top layer anda bottom layer, with the bottom layer being substantially rigid.
 2. Theresilient pad of claim 1, wherein the top layer is in contact with thefoot and comprises a woven fabric.
 3. The resilient pad of claim 1,wherein the bottom layer comprises a woven fabric and is coated with apolymeric resin.
 4. The resilient pad of claim 1, wherein the polymericgel comprises polybutadiene, a plasticizer, a prepolymer and astabilizer.
 5. The resilient pad of claim 4, wherein the plasticizerincludes an epoxidized soybean oil in an amount between about 30% to 70%by weight.
 6. The resilient pad of claim 4, wherein the stabilizerincludes an organotin and the prepolymer included an isocyanate.
 7. Aresilient pad of claim 1, wherein the first region has a first profileand the second region has a second profile, wherein the first profile ofthe first region is less than the second profile of the second region.8. A resilient pad to be placed on a foot of a hoofed animal comprising:at least a first and second region, wherein the second region having ashock absorbent envelope comprising a polymeric gel and the first regionhaving substantially no shock absorbing properties.
 9. A resilient padto be placed between a foot and a shoe of a hoofed animal comprising: afirst region substantially defined by the areas of the shoe; a secondregion having a fluid filled envelope, and the second region beingsubstantially defined by an area enclosed by the shoe; and wherein thepad comprises a top layer and a bottom layer, with the bottom layerbeing substantially rigid.
 10. The resilient pad of claim 9, wherein thefluid is a gas or liquid.
 11. A resilient pad to be placed between afoot and a shoe of a hoofed animal comprising: a first regionsubstantially defined by the areas of the shoe; a second region having afluid filled envelope, and the second region being substantially definedby an area enclosed by the shoe; and wherein the pad comprises a toplayer and a bottom layer, with the bottom layer being substantiallyrigid.
 12. The resilient pad of claim 11, wherein the aggregate isselected from the group consisting of sand, solid polymer particles,hollow beads, foamed polymer particles, perlite, calcium carbonate,clay, dolomite, sand, barium sulfate, mica, silica, talc, gypsum,wollastonite, calcite, aluminum trihydrate, zinc oxide, zinc sulfate,and mixtures thereof.
 13. A resilient pad for a hoofed animalcomprising: a first hemisphere having a first shock absorbent envelopeand a second hemisphere having a second shock absorbent envelope; and atop layer and bottom layer, wherein the bottom layer comprises a wovenfabric and is coated with a polymer resin and is substantially rigid.14. The resilient pad of claim 13, wherein the shock absorbent envelopescomprise a resilient material.
 15. The resilient pad of claim 14,wherein the resilient material comprises a polymeric gel including apolybutadiene, a plasticizer, a prepolymer and a stabilizer.